Khmer Morning News

More radio

Nuon Chea Makes Final Bid for Bail

Jailed Khmer Rouge ideologue Nuon Chea made his final plea to a pre-trial panel of judges Friday, wrapping up a second day of bail hearings.

Nuon Chea and his defense sought to counter prosecution arguments that he would flee the country, destroy evidence or threaten witnesses against him.

“Nowadays, our country’s peace is moving forward,” Nuon Chea told the courts, reading slowly from a piece of paper. “I myself as well as all the countrymen hope that the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia will use their wisdom to judge my request to be released on bail.”

The judges released no decision Friday, but tribunal observers were doubtful that Pol Pot’s former lieutenant would be released ahead of his atrocity crimes trials.

“There was nothing found to claim Nuon Chea would be safe and secure if he staid outside the prison,” said Lor Chunthy, a lawyer for Legal Aid of Cambodia.